Councillor kicked out for BNP jibe

Dominic Wiggan | Friday, 16 May 2008 Source: Ilford Recorder

DRAMA erupted at last night's full council meeting when Cllr Harold Moth was kicked out for labelling Jewish council leader Alan Weinberg a "covert member of the British National Party".

The independent councillor refused to withdraw his outburst, which came during a debate over Cllr Weinberg's ability to lead the council after he revealed suggestions for a new cabinet line-up and committee chairmans.

Cllr Moth, a former Conservative member, said: "I cannot support Cllr Weinberg on these proposals for a very good reason which happened on two occasions at an area three committee when conspiring took place between a member of the council and another party and he refused to take action.

"It is the inappropriate behaviour of a leader who has lost control and is a covert member of the BNP."

Cllr Weinberg reacted furiously and said: "How can you accuse a Jew of being a member of the Nazi party?"

Redbridge British National Party member Cllr Julian Leppert then insisted Cllr Weinberg withdraw his remark, but Cllr Weinberg added: "The BNP are an extreme right wing party with Nazi views and I will not withdraw the comment."

New mayor Cllr Loraine Sladden sought legal advice and asked councillors to vote on whether Cllr Moth should leave - which was agreed on - and minutes later told Cllr Moth to also leave the public gallery.

See next week's Recorder for full report on the full council - including good news for battling allotment holders.